QR Codes ("Quick Reference" Codes) are essentially 2-dimensional barcodes. They can contain hundreds of times more data than conventional 1-dimensional barcodes [http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/index-e.html]. Initially created for use in the shipping industry, they are gaining popularity for marketing to people with smart-phones. Many consumer-oriented QR codes point users to a website address, although other types of data storage are possible. Generally, users scan the QR Code with a scanning device (for example, the camera on a smart phone), and they are automatically directed to a website or the application specialized to handle the code's data. The idea is to allow users to avoid the hassle of remembering or manually reproducing long, precise strings of data.

== Uses in Libraries ==

== Uses in Libraries ==

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*[http://www.lawrence.edu/library Lawrence University Seeley G. Mudd Library]has created a [http://www.lawrence.edu/library/qr.shtml QR code information page] to help our patrons understand QR codes. We use QR codes to direct patrons to our [http://www.lawrence.edu/library/tour/ virtual tour], to electronic music resources, to our [http://www.lawrence.edu/library/mobile/#_home mobile web site], to begin text messages to the interlibrary loan office, and more. Take a look at our [http://www.flickr.com/photos/seeleyg/sets/72157624930265797/ Flickr page] to see all of the ways we use QR codes.

*[http://www.lawrence.edu/library Lawrence University Seeley G. Mudd Library]has created a [http://www.lawrence.edu/library/qr.shtml QR code information page] to help our patrons understand QR codes. We use QR codes to direct patrons to our [http://www.lawrence.edu/library/tour/ virtual tour], to electronic music resources, to our [http://www.lawrence.edu/library/mobile/#_home mobile web site], to begin text messages to the interlibrary loan office, and more. Take a look at our [http://www.flickr.com/photos/seeleyg/sets/72157624930265797/ Flickr page] to see all of the ways we use QR codes.

*[http://library.boisestate.edu/ Boise State University's Albertsons Library] uses QR codes to link to its [http://library.boisestate.edu/m mobile website] in its [http://albertsonslibrary.blogspot.com/ blog] and main [http://twitter.com/BSULibrary Twitter page]. There is also an informative research guide about [http://guides.boisestate.edu/qrcodes QR codes]--what they are, how they are being used in Albertsons Library, tips on creating effective codes, and recommended QR code readers/scanners.

*[http://library.boisestate.edu/ Boise State University's Albertsons Library] uses QR codes to link to its [http://library.boisestate.edu/m mobile website] in its [http://albertsonslibrary.blogspot.com/ blog] and main [http://twitter.com/BSULibrary Twitter page]. There is also an informative research guide about [http://guides.boisestate.edu/qrcodes QR codes]--what they are, how they are being used in Albertsons Library, tips on creating effective codes, and recommended QR code readers/scanners.

*[http://hhhlibrary.org Half Hollow Hills Community Library] uses datamatrix codes on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/halfhollowhills/4504965499/ end stacks] to lead patrons to subject guides on the web.

*[http://hhhlibrary.org Half Hollow Hills Community Library] uses datamatrix codes on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/halfhollowhills/4504965499/ end stacks] to lead patrons to subject guides on the web.

* [http://www.acu.edu/library ACU Library] uses mobile tags in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/aculibrary/tags/mobiletagging/ library exhibits] to link to songs, videos, websites, and realtime searches of our library catalog. It's a good way to incorporate electronic media with physical items and to make the display more engaging.

* [http://www.acu.edu/library ACU Library] uses mobile tags in [http://www.flickr.com/photos/aculibrary/tags/mobiletagging/ library exhibits] to link to songs, videos, websites, and realtime searches of our library catalog. It's a good way to incorporate electronic media with physical items and to make the display more engaging.

* [http://bibliotecnica.upc.edu/BRGF/ Biblioteca Rector Gabriel Ferraté. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BRGF)] uses [http://bibliotecnica.upc.edu/BRGF/serveis/qr QR Codes] to provide additional information on promotional posters and on the web pages, to provide username and password to users who subscribe to the[http://bibliotecnica.upc.edu/BRGF/serveis/area_clic CLIC Area service] (a computer classroom), to generate reminders of reservations of the group study rooms library, to fill the suggestion forms or to enrich the contents of the library’s jazz collection. Take a look at [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQj3kD0F2uI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQj3kD0F2uI] to know more about one of the QR applications at the BRGF.

* [http://library.lafayette.edu Lafayette College Library] used QR codes for their 2010 Open House event geared to first year students, [http://library.lafayette.edu/carmensandiego "Where in the Library is Carmen Sandiego: An Interactive Mystery Game"]. Students had to collect QR coded-clues from librarians stationed throughout the library.

* [http://library.lafayette.edu Lafayette College Library] used QR codes for their 2010 Open House event geared to first year students, [http://library.lafayette.edu/carmensandiego "Where in the Library is Carmen Sandiego: An Interactive Mystery Game"]. Students had to collect QR coded-clues from librarians stationed throughout the library.

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* [http://www.rmit.edu.au/LIBRARY RMIT Library] is using QR codes [http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/qrcodes for a contest] it is running.

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* [http://www.rmit.edu.au/LIBRARY RMIT University Library] used QR codes for a contest it was running.

* [http://www.ryerson.ca/library/ Ryerson University Library and Archives] is using QR codes in its [http://catalogue.library.ryerson.ca library catalogue] and for [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryersonlibrary/5039468125/ downloadable audio tours].

* [http://www.ryerson.ca/library/ Ryerson University Library and Archives] is using QR codes in its [http://catalogue.library.ryerson.ca library catalogue] and for [http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryersonlibrary/5039468125/ downloadable audio tours].

* [http://www.saclibrary.org/ Sacramento Public Library] offers a QR code to patrons that will load the library's text message reference service info into the patron's phone. The code can be found on the [http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=1004 Text 4 Answers] page of the library website and the [http://splcen.blogspot.com/ library's blog]. More info at [http://www.civillibrarian.com/2009/08/one-small-step.html The Civil Librarian].

* [http://www.saclibrary.org/ Sacramento Public Library] offers a QR code to patrons that will load the library's text message reference service info into the patron's phone. The code can be found on the [http://www.saclibrary.org/?pageId=1004 Text 4 Answers] page of the library website and the [http://splcen.blogspot.com/ library's blog]. More info at [http://www.civillibrarian.com/2009/08/one-small-step.html The Civil Librarian].

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* The [http://infodome.sdsu.edu/ San Diego State University Library] is using QR Codes in its [http://libpac.sdsu.edu/search~S0?/tThe+story+of+San+Diego/tstory+of+san+diego/1%2C2%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tstory+of+san+diego&1%2C1%2C/indexsort= library catalog], on [http://infoguides.sdsu.edu/people/ppl.php?id=3 staff directory pages] and on [http://infoguides.sdsu.edu/sub.php?id=27 research guides].

* The [http://infodome.sdsu.edu/ San Diego State University Library] is using QR Codes in its [http://libpac.sdsu.edu/search~S0?/tThe+story+of+San+Diego/tstory+of+san+diego/1%2C2%2C2%2CB/frameset&FF=tstory+of+san+diego&1%2C1%2C/indexsort= library catalog], on [http://infoguides.sdsu.edu/people/ppl.php?id=3 staff directory pages] and on [http://infoguides.sdsu.edu/sub.php?id=27 research guides].

* [http://www.ecuad.ca/library Emily Carr University of Art + Design Library] is using QR codes in [http://www.tararobertson.ca/blog/2010/qr-codes-in-my-library displays] and [http://www.ecuad.ca/about/news/54271 signage].

* [http://www.ecuad.ca/library Emily Carr University of Art + Design Library] is using QR codes in [http://www.tararobertson.ca/blog/2010/qr-codes-in-my-library displays] and [http://www.ecuad.ca/about/news/54271 signage].

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* [http://ccclib.org/ Contra Costa County Library] is using QR codes to [http://trideltatransit.com/promo_free_books.aspx market downloadable audiobooks to people using public transit].

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* [http://ccclib.org/ Contra Costa County Library] is using QR codes to [http://guides.ccclib.org/content.php?pid=105914&sid=797175#4774453 market downloadable audiobooks to people using public transit].

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* [http://m.ccclib.org/ Contra Costa County Library] is using QR codes on popular books to [http://guides.ccclib.org/ifyoulike/ recommend further reading].

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* [http://m.ccclib.org/ Contra Costa County Library] is using QR codes on popular books to [http://guides.ccclib.org/content.php?pid=105914&sid=797175#4638359 recommend further reading].

* [http://www.georgefox.edu/offices/murdock/index.html George Fox University Libraries] are using QR codes on DVDs and audiobooks to point users to video trailers, on doors for room reservations and more - see our flickr set of examples [http://www.flickr.com/photos/25095603@N07/sets/72157625028207818/]

* [http://www.georgefox.edu/offices/murdock/index.html George Fox University Libraries] are using QR codes on DVDs and audiobooks to point users to video trailers, on doors for room reservations and more - see our flickr set of examples [http://www.flickr.com/photos/25095603@N07/sets/72157625028207818/]

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* [http://library.syr.edu/about/departments/learning_commons/index.php Syracuse University Library Learning Commons] is using QR Codes on their bookmarks, tabletop signs, and on the flyer advertising their virtual tour - see our set on Flickr [http://www.flickr.com/photos/syracuselearningcommons/5123758084/in/set-72157625135697997/].

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* [http://library.syr.edu/about/departments/learning_commons/index.php Syracuse University Library Learning Commons] is using QR Codes on their bookmarks, tabletop signs, and on the flyer advertising their virtual tour - see our set on Flickr [http://www.flickr.com/photos/syracuselearningcommons/sets/72157625261936400/].

* [http://www.lib.uci.edu/features/spotlights/qr.html UC Irvine Libraries] is running a pilot with QR codes in the stacks. The Arts section directs QR code users to LC arts classification system to aid browing the physical book collections. The [http://libguides.lib.uci.edu/content.php?pid=35871&sid=1279288 Math section] uses QR codes embedded in the stacks to direct users to the Springer mathematics ebook collections.

* [http://www.lib.uci.edu/features/spotlights/qr.html UC Irvine Libraries] is running a pilot with QR codes in the stacks. The Arts section directs QR code users to LC arts classification system to aid browing the physical book collections. The [http://libguides.lib.uci.edu/content.php?pid=35871&sid=1279288 Math section] uses QR codes embedded in the stacks to direct users to the Springer mathematics ebook collections.

*[http://mcpl.us Marathon County Public Library (MCPL)] uses QR codes on posters and other print media to connect customers to search results for related items in the library catalog (i.e. for book clubs, author visits, etc. ... links to the item(s) in question)

*[http://mcpl.us Marathon County Public Library (MCPL)] uses QR codes on posters and other print media to connect customers to search results for related items in the library catalog (i.e. for book clubs, author visits, etc. ... links to the item(s) in question)

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* [http://www.swilsa.lib.ia.us/qr Southwest Iowa Library Service Area (SWILSA)] has begun a "shared" list of readalikes for various popular authors. A sheet of codes, formatted for label stickers, is available to print and attach to shelves near those authors' books.

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* [http://providence.libguides.com/qr Providence College Library] developed an introductory QR subject guide as a complement to their QR initiative. The guide includes an explanatory animation, QR uses at Providence College, linked resources and more.

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* [http://tcpl.org Tompkins County Public Library] is using QR codes to advertise its downloadable eBook service, themed booklists and its social networking sites. Our [http://tcpl.libguides.com/content.php?pid=241874&sid=1997070 QR code guide] contains basic information and examples of our work.

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== More Info on QR Codes ==

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== Creating QR Codes ==

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*[http://code.google.com/apis/chart/image/docs/gallery/qr_codes.html Google Chart Tools] allows you to create QR codes for any link, or (with a little programming know-how) automatically generate codes on the fly using their API. For a quick QR code using this service, visit the following link (and substitute your URL for "libsuccess.org"): http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=http://libsuccess.org. QR codes also allow for a certain margin of error, which can be used to create some more artistic QR codes. For examples and a guide on this process visit [http://www.systemid.com/qrcode/]

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Easily found on Pinterest, many libraries are using QR codes to lead to trailers of popular books like Ellen Hopkins books and "Audrey, Wait". Trailers can be found at [http://www.booktrailersforall.com].

Revision as of 01:02, 18 October 2012

QR Codes ("Quick Reference" Codes) are essentially 2-dimensional barcodes. They can contain hundreds of times more data than conventional 1-dimensional barcodes [1]. Initially created for use in the shipping industry, they are gaining popularity for marketing to people with smart-phones. Many consumer-oriented QR codes point users to a website address, although other types of data storage are possible. Generally, users scan the QR Code with a scanning device (for example, the camera on a smart phone), and they are automatically directed to a website or the application specialized to handle the code's data. The idea is to allow users to avoid the hassle of remembering or manually reproducing long, precise strings of data.

ACU Library uses mobile tags in library exhibits to link to songs, videos, websites, and realtime searches of our library catalog. It's a good way to incorporate electronic media with physical items and to make the display more engaging.

UC Irvine Libraries is running a pilot with QR codes in the stacks. The Arts section directs QR code users to LC arts classification system to aid browing the physical book collections. The Math section uses QR codes embedded in the stacks to direct users to the Springer mathematics ebook collections.

Marathon County Public Library (MCPL) uses QR codes on posters and other print media to connect customers to search results for related items in the library catalog (i.e. for book clubs, author visits, etc. ... links to the item(s) in question)

Southwest Iowa Library Service Area (SWILSA) has begun a "shared" list of readalikes for various popular authors. A sheet of codes, formatted for label stickers, is available to print and attach to shelves near those authors' books.

Providence College Library developed an introductory QR subject guide as a complement to their QR initiative. The guide includes an explanatory animation, QR uses at Providence College, linked resources and more.

Creating QR Codes

Google Chart Tools allows you to create QR codes for any link, or (with a little programming know-how) automatically generate codes on the fly using their API. For a quick QR code using this service, visit the following link (and substitute your URL for "libsuccess.org"): http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?chs=200x200&cht=qr&chl=http://libsuccess.org. QR codes also allow for a certain margin of error, which can be used to create some more artistic QR codes. For examples and a guide on this process visit [4]

Easily found on Pinterest, many libraries are using QR codes to lead to trailers of popular books like Ellen Hopkins books and "Audrey, Wait". Trailers can be found at [5].